In 2024, hip-hop flourished as a dynamic fusion of innovation, nostalgia, and cultural influence, with artists redefining the genre while delivering some of their most powerful work to date. The year was marked by monumental albums that collectively shaped a bold era of artistry—reinforcing hip-hop’s status as a vital and evolving cultural force.
BEST ALBUMS: Kendrick Lamar‘s, GNX was the year’s surprise juggernaut, a bold and experimental album that saw him collaborating with emerging Los Angeles artists and incorporating production from Sounwave and Jack Antonoff. The album’s sharp social commentary and innovative sound solidified its dominance on the charts, with multiple tracks holding top Billboard positions.
Future had a banner year, releasing not one but two standout projects. Mixtape Pluto in September saw him returning to his Atlanta street roots, delivering raw and heartfelt tracks like “Lost My Dog” with production by Southside and Wheezy. Shortly before, he joined forces with Metro Boomin for We Don’t Trust You, a powerhouse collaboration that highlighted their unparalleled synergy. The album’s cinematic production and aggressive themes resonated with fans, proving Future’s prolific output remains unmatched.
Eminem’s The Death of Slim Shady was another monumental moment, as the rap icon delivered an introspective and fiery farewell to his infamous alter ego. The album explored themes of legacy, personal growth, and societal critique, offering a mature perspective while staying true to the wordplay and technical mastery that built his career. Similarly, Megan Thee Stallion delivered a personal yet confident statement with her self-titled album, Megan. Balancing vulnerability and empowerment, the project further cemented her place as one of the genre’s most influential voices.
Glorilla’s Glorious was a breakout moment, with the rapper blending infectious energy and razor-sharp lyricism to create anthems that celebrated resilience and self-expression. Chief Keef’s Almighty So 2 offered a nostalgic nod to his early career while showcasing his growth as an artist, with features from Ballout and G Herbo adding depth to the project.
Tyler, The Creator added to his already impressive legacy with the release of Chromakopia, an album that defied genre conventions and showcased his evolution as an artist. The project blended vibrant, psychedelic production with deeply introspective lyrics, exploring themes of identity, growth, and the surreal nature of fame.
BEST SONGS: Megan Thee Stallion expanded her musical repertoire with the release of “Mamushi” and “Hiss,” two tracks that showcased her versatility and cultural influence. “Mamushi,” featuring Japanese rapper Yuki Chiba, was initially part of her third studio album, Megan. The track gained significant traction after a viral TikTok dance challenge, amassing over 157,000 videos by July. Embracing the trend, Megan participated by posting her own TikToks, including one where she cosplayed as Sailor Moon’s Usagi Tsukino. The song was subsequently released as a single to urban radio, becoming the number-one most added song on the format.
“Hiss,” released on January 26, 2024, marked a significant milestone in Megan’s career. The track debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first solo number-one single and third overall. Its sharp lyrics and compelling production were interpreted as addressing industry conflicts, showcasing Megan’s assertive artistry.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” dominated the charts and sparked conversations with its sharp lyricism and compelling West Coast energy, solidifying its place as one of the year’s most talked-about tracks. Future and Metro Boomin teamed up with Lamar for “Like That,” a powerhouse collaboration that blended dynamic production with impactful verses, making it an undeniable highlight of the year.
Eminem‘s “Houdini,” from his The Death of Slim Shady album, showcased his evolution as a lyrical mastermind, earning both critical acclaim and significant chart success. GloRilla’s “Yeah Glo!” captured her vibrant energy and marked a career milestone, resonating widely with fans. Cardi B added her own mark to the year with the now Grammy-nominated “Like What (Freestyle),” a raw and unapologetic track that reminded everyone of her unmatched charisma and lyrical agility along with, “Enough (Miami), which quickly became a viral sensation.
